How a $6.5M Worker Co-Op Transformed Real Estate for Impact Leaders to Build Equity

In this episode of Purpose Profit Shift, host Rachel Bernier Green speaks with David Lidz, founder of Appalachian Field Services (AFS) Builds and co-founder of WaterBottle Co‑Op, a worker-owned real estate cooperative revitalizing West Baltimore through equitable, community-centered housing. David shares his powerful journey from government relations in D.C. to homelessness and recovery, and ultimately to building a social enterprise rooted in worker ownership and shared equity.David Lidz is the founder of AFS Builds and co-founder/CEO of WaterBottle Co‑Op, where he leads community-centered real estate development that empowers workers and addresses systemic inequality. His innovative "community equity model" prioritizes local ownership and economic upliftment for marginalized workers.Expect to LearnHow personal recovery fueled David’s vision for social entrepreneurship.The role of AFS Builds in the foundation of WaterBottle Co‑Op.What makes the worker-owned cooperative model effective in real estate.How WaterBottle Co‑Op is reversing exploitative patterns in housing markets.The financial strategies behind equitable real estate and community ownership.The difference between restorative rehab and extractive flippingDavid’s Reading ListEpisode Breakdown with Timestamps[00:00]: Introduction[06:15]: From Government Relations to Addiction and Recovery[13:45]: What kept you going after Recovery[16:53]: Transition from a Traditional Business Owner[21:24]: Appalachian Field Service Needed to be a Worker Co-Op[25:57]: Benefits of Non-Extractive Financing Models[34:16]: Walking Away after the Bill Passed[38:03]: Measuring Success: From 3 to 30+ Properties and $6.5M Raised[45:43]: The Impact Real Estate Portfolio: A National Replication Model[56:00]: Holistic Healing Through Business and Community Empowerment[58:54]: Where to Find David and Learn MoreFollow Guest David:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidlidz/ Company’s Website: https://www.waterbottle.coop/ Company’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waterbottlecooperative/Company’s 2nd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/appalachian-field-services/Company’s 2nd Website: https://www.afsbuilds.com/ Company’s 2nd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/afsbuilds/ Follow the Host, Rachel Bernier-Green:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelberniergreen/Website: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/Instagram: www.instagram.com/jointhryvo/LinkedIn (Company): www.linkedin.com/company/jointhryvo/Twitter/X: x.com/jointhryvoFacebook: www.facebook.com/jointhryvoTiktok: www.tiktok.com/@jointhryvoListening Links:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0kmrlBqo4QHftlfmqo2Q32Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-purpose-profit-shift/id1829627732Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@PurposeProfitShift